Abdul Rahim’s Release From Death Row: Rs 30 Crore Raised In 4 Days, Rs 4 Crore Pending Within 3 DaysEfforts to raise blood money for the swift release of Abdul Rahim Machilakath Peediyekkal, currently detained in a Saudi Arabian prison and facing a death sentence, have attained an impressive sum of Rs 30 crore within a mere four days’ time. The remaining amount of Rs 4 crore has to be collected within the span of three days to pay the family of a differently-abled boy who died while Abdul Rahim was on duty as a driver in a Saudi household.
Abdul Rahim’s execution is reported to be set for April 16.
Friends and family of Abdul Rahim have rallied together to collect the required 15 million Saudi Riyals, equivalent to Rs 33.24 crore. As per a viral video, in a remarkable display of solidarity, people from all faiths and different parts of Kerala have made their way to Abdul Rahim’s house to contribute to the amount.
The latest development in the story of Abdul Rahim is the successful collection of Rs 30 crore towards the Diya, a form of financial compensation payable to the victim’s family in cases of accidental death or harm. However, an additional Rs 4 crore is yet to be received, with only three days remaining to meet the financial obligation.
Abdul Rahim, a former autorickshaw driver from Feroke, Kozhikode, Kerala, ventured to the Gulf, seeking better opportunities. His journey led him to Riyadh in 2006, where he took up a position as a house driver, including responsibilities for a differently-abled boy in the household.
Tragedy struck during one of his duties when a device supporting the boy’s breathing accidentally fell, resulting in the boy’s untimely demise. Subsequently, Abdul Rahim found himself entangled in a legal battle, charged with murder, and sentenced to death.
Crowdfunding initiatives, including a dedicated mobile app named ‘SAVE ABDUL RAHIM,’ have played a key role in mobilising support as part of the intensive crowdfunding efforts. Collection on the app has been paused as of now.
Committees across the Gulf regions and India are working tirelessly to bridge this financial gap. Riyadh’s Indian Embassy has also begun the procedures required to bring the collected money to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi and businessman Boby Chemmanur are also helping in the cause.